Major disruption for commuters as Metrolink closes Altrincham line “for most of the afternoon”

Metrolink services on the Altrincham line are expected to remain suspended “for most of the afternoon” due to a damaged overhead line at Trafford Bar.

The latest disruption to tram services on the Altrincham line is set to cause huge disruption for commuters at rush hour this evening.

A statement from Metrolink read: “The Metrolink operator, RATP Dev Ltd, is currently working to recover a tram that has a damaged pantograph from Trafford Bar.

“Once the tram is safely recovered services on the Altrincham line will remain suspended while work to repair the overhead line is carried out. It is not known exactly how long that will take.

“This is to allow the engineers that are currently at the scene to carry out the repairs safely.”

TfGM’s Metrolink Head of Customer Services, Rachel Spencer, said that engineers were working to resolve the issue “as quickly as possible, but they have to do this in a controlled and safe environment”.

She added: “In order to do that, we’ve had to shut off part of the power that runs the network, resulting in a suspension of services on the Altrincham line and trams from the Airport and East Didsbury running as far as Firswood.

“While we’re aiming to restore services on the East Didsbury and Airport lines as quickly as possible, unfortunately the Altrincham line will need to remain suspended while repair work is carried out to the overhead line.

“There are currently no timescales as to when that will be complete and I’d like to apologise for the inconvenience and delay this will cause to some passengers.

“Anyone wishing to use the network should check before they travel. Information will be available on the website and our social media accounts or by contacting the customer relations team.”

Metrolink advised that its tickets are accepted on the following bus services: 263 (Altrincham Line) and 84,85,86 (Airport Line) and 50 & 33 (Eccles Line).